Eye of the Needle

This beautifully illustrated book invites audiences to follow hungry Little Amik on a big quest for food in his native land (and sea). Much to a child's delight, the anticipation of the story grows as does the boy's appetite and the size of his prey / catches. Grandmother is a warm and lovable character who teaches the universal lessons of love, trust, and sharing. Her influence and presence ties the clever hunting-gathering-eating story together into an enriching tall tale that teases and pleases. The Eye of the Needle is a story that begs to be read out loud and discussed. It would compliment any study or learning unit about Alaska.

The Eye Of The Needle is a retelling of a Yupik tale from the Alaskan northwest, with Teri Sloat engagingly recounting and colorfully illustrating the story of Little Amik, a boy who lived with his grandmother in a tiny sod hut on the shores of the Northern Pacific. In this Native American fairytale, Amik swallows an enormous quantity of sea life (including a whale) along with the ocean waters until he is to large to enter his grandmother's house. Grandmother releases the magic in her sewing needle and all that Amik swallowed comes flowing and tumbling out as he finally learns the importance of sharing. A very highly recommended picturebook for young readers ages 4 and up.

This book has delightful and accurate illustrations of thearea. It is an exceptional outline or guideline for a storyteller,and helps students see another culture. The ending can be changed, or explained to children that the author decided to give Amik another chance. The book is a very good introduction to arctic and sub-arctic culture and traditional ways. Every group of students I have read this story to has absolutely enjoyed the story and helped with the swallowing sound effects.